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Phils sign Zambrano

PHILADELPHIA — In a need of a lift in the rotation, the Phillies are taking a chance on Carlos Zambrano.

The three-time All-Star agreed to a minor league contract with Philadelphia on Wednesday and will report this week to Clearwater, Fla., for extended spring training.

Zambrano is known as much for his volatile outbursts and dugout confrontations with teammates as he is for his 132 wins over 12 seasons and a no-hitter.

With Roy Halladay and John Lannan on the disabled list, the slumping Phillies turned to Zambrano, even though he hasn’t pitched in the majors since last September with Miami.

“No promises are made. It’s just an opportunity to add some starting pitching,” Phillies assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said.

Zambrano, 31, is 132-91 with a 3.66 ERA, including 11 seasons with the Chicago Cubs. He was 16-17 with a 4.66 ERA the last two years.

Zambrano has the right to terminate the deal if he is not added to the major league roster by July 1.

Philadelphia was among the teams with representatives who watched Zambrano throw Monday in Miami. He pitched in winter ball and played for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.

“It’s low risk, hopefully, high reward,” Proefrock said.

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